Rhode Island Injury Lawyer Blog

While no one has reported illness yet, the H.P. Hood Company is recalling two (2) Heluva Good Cheese products, which were sold and distributed in Rhode Island, due to possible bacterial contamination. The products in question are the eight ounce packages of the company's Port Wine Cold Pack Cheese Food with a sell-by date of 11/15/2010 through 12/15/2010, and the Sharp Cheddar Cold Pack Cheese Food with a sell-by date of 11/15/2010 and 12/15/2010.

The voluntary recall is the result of product sampling performed by the State of Wisconsin in the facility that produces the Heluva Good Cheese products. This sampling raised concerns over the possible contamination with a bacteria that can lead to listeriosis.

Listeriosis is a relatively rare bacterial infection that is most common in newborns, pregnant women, or those with a compromised immune system. In fact, pregnant women can account for nearly 30% of all reported cases. Premature birth, still birth and miscarriage are potential serious complications of the illness.

Symptoms of listeriosis can last for up to ten days and include fever and muscle aches. In more serious cases, listeriosis can lead to meningitis.

Foodborne illness is a very serious problem in America. Each year nearly 325,000 people are hospitalized with food poisoning. Of those, nearly 5000 people die each year. Minor cases of foodborne illness are estimated to be in the tens of millions each year.

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Kilwin's Quality Confections is recalling all seven ounce packages of chocolate covered peanuts and all bulk chocolate covered peanuts sold in its stores before April 1 because of possible salmonella contamination.  Salmonella can cause serious infections and even death, particularly in children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

No illnesses have been reported to date.  Kilwin's is a Michigan candy retailer with stores in several States.  The Rhode Island franchise is located in Newport.  If you or a loved one has been injured because of this product, contact our office for a free consultation.

The Editor of Forbes Magazine, William Baldwin, has suggested that plaintiff lawyers help protect the quality of the Nation's food supply by bringing suits against companies who have slipped under the FDA radar.  As he points out, food-borne illness sickens 76 million Americans per year, kills 5,000, and runs up $3 Billion in medical bills.

These statistics, coupled with numerous salmonella scares and constant questions about the quality of food products brought in from China, shows that the FDA is clearly overwhelmed and unable to protect our country from dangerous food products.  A few high profile lawsuits with punitive damage awards, may be able to do what the FDA cannot. 

As Mr. Baldwin points out, "genetic subtyping can make an unmistakable link from food to victim."  Such certainty prevents frivilous lawsuits and eliminates doubt in the minds of victims who may or may not have been sickened by the food they ate.

Food-borne illness can range from mild stomach pain to death.  If you feel that you or a loved one has been the victim of food poisoning, contact our office for a free consultation.